Winchester 1873 3rd Model .32 WCF Octagonal Lever Action Rifle 1886 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,825.00
LSB#: LSB250731EK089
Make: Winchester
Model: 1873 Rifle 3rd Model
Serial Number: 200342B
Year of Manufacture: 1886 / Antique
Caliber: .32 Winchester Center Fire (.32-20)
Action Type: Lever Action with Octagonal barrel and Full length Tubular Magazine
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO. NEW HAVEN CT. / KING’S – IMPROVEMENT – PATENTED – MARCH 29. 1866. OCTOBER 16 1860”. The upper tang is marked “—MODEL 1873—” The lower tang is marked with the serial number “200342B”. The bottom of the brass lifter is marked “.32 Cal.”
Barrel Length: 24” Octagonal Barrel
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade dovetailed to the barrel. The rear sight is a “V-notch” full Buckhorn elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with capped forend, straight grip, straight comb, and crescent buttplate. The stocks have little remaining finish and scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and scratches. There is a significant 3 1/ 2-inch crack on the right side of the forearm. The edges of the buttstock are shrinking slightly from the crescent buttplate. The LOP measures 12 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has no original finish but has a mottled patina with light wear and some minor erosion at the heel and toe. Overall, the stocks are in Good-Plus condition as an Antique.
Type of Finish: Case Hardened
Finish Originality: All wood and metal finish appears original.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with some erosion present throughout. The rifling shows some wear, but is generally well defined. There is stubborn fouling and perhaps some rust present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 7 out of 10 as black powder era antique.
Most antique firearms have bores that will show erosion. This is not only due to age but to the use of black powder. When fired, black powder reacts corrosively. NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards are quite lenient for bores. In some cases, the NRA standards disregarded the bore’s condition for collectors’ firearms.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains almost none of its original finish. Remaining finish is mostly around the edges of the sideplates. The metal surfaces have developed a mottled rust-colored patina throughout. There is some pitting on the receiver dust cover. There are scattered nicks, dings, scuffs and pitting on the barrel where it meets the receiver. The screw heads are relatively unmarred showing minimal tool marks. The markings are clear and legible though a bit faded in some places. Overall, this rifle is in about Good to Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We have not fired this rifle. There is a lever lock on the lower tang. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: One of the most successful, and certainly one of the most famous Winchester rifles was the Winchester Model 1873, known as “The Gun that Won the West” for its predominant role in the hands of Western settlers. The Model 1873 had a steel frame that was much stronger than the brass framed Model 1866, allowing Winchester to develop a family of powerful new cartridges, with Colt usually producing Single Action Army revolvers in the same calibers shortly after they were developed. The .32-20 cartridge, also known as the .32 WCF, was introduced in 1882 by Winchester which was a .32 caliber bullet over 20 grains of black powder. Colt produced single action revolvers chambered for the Winchester cartridges as well, allowing users to have a rifle and handgun which shared the same ammunition.
This is a 3rd Model 1873 produced in 1886 once Winchester’s production had hit its stride. No doubt this rifle was a workhorse for a plains settler or even one of their relatives back east. The rifle appears to have had a very useful life, with wear consistent with its age of nearly 140 years. This is an honest gun in a desirable configuration with the very “western” octagonal barrel and deserves a spot in a collection of lever action rifles next to its 1866, 1876, 1886, 1892 and 1894 cousins. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!!! –
BF
